‘I can’t believe it’: jockey cites support as reason for win

One For Arthur’s jockey, Derek Fox, is taking a well-earned break with his family following his Grand National win.

Wearing patriotic Saltirebearing silks, Fox skilfully guided Arthur around the course’s 30 jumps, which include the notorious Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn and The Chair.

He gave the ride of his life to accelerate on the final straight, after the Elbow, to finish several yards clear and take the title. One For Arthur beat early favourite Blaklion, who had his odds slashed to 9-1 seconds before the race started, the only horse in single figures.

Fox’s participation had initially been in doubt, after he suffered a fall at Carlisle on March 9.

However, following a spell of recuperation at Jack Berry House in Malton, he was given the all-clear to get back into the saddle.

Immediately after the race Fox said: “It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe it.

“I was worried about him having the early pace to get me through the first mile. He just jumped so well, even though I was a long way back – I didn’t have to use his galloping to get there, he never missed a fence.”

On his fall at Carlisle, he said: “I was so lucky to get back. It’s thanks to Jack Berry House – if I hadn’t have gone down, I wouldn’t have got back in time. I certainly wouldn’t have been as fit as I am.

“Not everyone can be champion jockey, because you need an awful lot of support behind you.”

Derek Fox said he would not have been in the required shape if it was not for the help of staff at Jack Berry House.